As Scotland manager Steve Clarke announced his Euro 2024 squad, there wasn’t a single Rangers star in the national side’s number.
The Gers had released midfielder Ryan Jack whilst the only other viable candidate John Souttar was cut from Clarke’s selection at the final moment.
It was a monumental blow for Souttar, who has battled back from a number of serious injury problems throughout his initially promising career to become a mainstay at Ibrox.
But after suffering through issues at Dundee United, Hearts and now Rangers, John Souttar is finally finding some consistency at the heart of the Rangers defence.
And whilst Steve Clarke might not have given the 27-year-old centre-back has backing in the summer, Rangers now look set to throw their support behind the club’s leading homegrown player.
John Souttar to be handed new Rangers contract
John Souttar has finally found some consistency of playing time under Rangers manager Philippe Clement.
Having played in 21 consecutive Scottish Premiership matches last season (18 of which were starts), Souttar has been an ever-present for Rangers so far this campaign.
Whilst it’s unclear if Souttar’s Scotland snub was related to a small end of season injury, the defender has returned with a vengeance so far this season.
With Connor Goldson moving on to Aris Limassol earlier in the summer, it’s allowed the defender to move in to the right centre-back berth and make it his own.
Now one of the first names on the Rangers team sheet, the Ibrox side are set to strike a new deal with the nine-times capped Scotland defender as Philippe Clement puts an end to the club’s stuttering contract model.
At least that’s according to the Daily Record and Scott Burns, who are suggesting that Rangers will tie John Souttar down on improved terms, with the defender’s current deal running to 2026.
Rangers star proving value for club and country
The news that John Souttar is set to pen a new contract will be welcomed by Rangers supporters.
The big defender hasn’t always struck a confident presence at the heart of the Ibrox defence but there has been clear improvement season-on-season.
In the early part of this campaign, there have been signs of further progress as Souttar puts in a string of commanding performances in the Rangers backline.
A powerful defender who knows the Scottish Premiership, Souttar can battle with the best of them and has technical composure when striding out of defence.
Capable on the ball and powerful in the tackle, the centre-back continues to mature into the leading defensive option at the club and dare we say it, a potential future captain.
Rangers have limited homegrown talents in their squad, with Scott Wright linked to the Ibrox exit door and Connor Barron finding his feet in Glasgow.
Summer signing Barron has been tipped for a Scotland call-up and given the form of John Souttar we don’t reckon the Rangers defender will be too far away either.
We just wonder if Steve Clarke will regret his Euro 2024 Souttar call given Ryan Porteous’ red card on the opening day humbling v Germany.
